Posts categorized as Slice of Heaven: 20th Century Aotearoa

One hundred and eleven years ago, Queen Victoria dies aged 81 (22 January 1901). A profound sense of grief followed in the wake of the Queen’s death. This black-edged silk portrait was issued by a woman’s magazine so that readers had their own, personal memorial of the late monarch. Victoria’s death was reported widely in New… Read more »

Thirty-nine years ago, the last New Zealand forces withdraw from Vietnam (22 December 1972) New Zealand combat troops were in Vietnam from 1965 until 1972. This military support was underpinned by New Zealand’s defence obligations to the USA, an ANZUS treaty partner from 1951. Fewer than 4000 New Zealanders were in Vietnam over this period of seven-and-a-half years. It… Read more »

Carmen Rupe (1936-2011), a New Zealand transgendered entrepreneur, entertainer, and role model, passed away in Sydney this morning. Carmen was a pioneer of greater sexual tolerance, who came to prominence through the entertainment and nightlife options she provided for Wellingtonians during the 1970s. Taumaranui-born, as Trevor, Carmen graced Auckland, Wellington, and Sydney with her fearlessness, style, and entrepreneurial spirit. During… Read more »

Seventy-two years ago, the Centennial Exhibition opens in Wellington (9 November 1939) The 1940 Centennial exhibition was one of the many ways in which New Zealanders marked 100 years of British government. The exhibition, which was located in Rongotai, attracted over 2.6 million visitors over a period of six months. Below is a colourised view of the exhibition, taken… Read more »

Forty-four years ago pubs were no longer legally required to close at 6pm (9 October 1967) From December 1917, hotels had to close at 6pm. This was supposed to be a temporary war-time measure. Opening hours were reduced to encourage workers’ efficiency. This restriction partly effected the aims of temperance movement, an international initiative that… Read more »

Slice of Heaven has been on open for a year now. This means that some of the light-sensitive paper and textile exhibition items have had their full quota of light exposure and have to come off display. This includes this majestic coatee, pictured above, that Premier Richard Seddon wore to grand royal events. Seddon had… Read more »

57 years ago the Mazengarb report is released (20 September 1954) In 1954, several shocking events occurred that fuelled a simmering panic about the activities and morals of New Zealand teenagers. These included revelations that some Hutt Valley teens were having sex. Over 50 local teenagers were observed congregating at elbe’s milk bar in Lower Hutt. There… Read more »

56 years ago New Zealanders celebrate victory over Japan (15 August 1945) The photo below shows people celebrating VJ (Victory over Japan) Day in Wellington. It was taken by John Pascoe, who was employed by the government to photograph life in New Zealand during World War Two. The day marked the official end of the… Read more »

30 years ago the South African rugby team is welcomed to New Zealand at the Poho-o-Rawiri marae, Gisborne, at the start of its tour of the country (17 July 1981). Rugby Union has long had a prominent, if not undisputed place in New Zealand culture. However, the game caused bitter disputes and often violent clashes around… Read more »

110 years ago the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York visit New Zealand (10-27 June 1901) A royal tour of New Zealand was mooted by arch-imperialist Premier Richard Seddon in 1897, during the Diamond (60th) anniversary of Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne. By 1900, such a visit had assumed greater importance. By this date, New Zealand was… Read more »